Aston Villa will reward James Milner with an improved contract in the summer in recognition of his outstanding performances in central midfield this season that, according to Martin O'Neill, have elevated the England international to the same level as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
The Villa manager, who claimed Milner is playing as well as anyone in the Premier League at the moment, will sit down with the 24-year-old's representatives and discuss an extended contract to replace his current deal, which expires in 2012. O'Neill described Milner's recent displays as "electrifying" and it is a measure of his value to the club that Villa are expected to increase his wages from £45,000 per week to £65,000, bringing him in line with Ashley Young, the highest-paid player.
Villa are relaxed about when discussions will begin, with O'Neill content to leave Milner to decide whether he would like the issue resolved before or after the World Cup. "I said to James a couple of months ago that we would sit down in the summer, this was regardless of whether he plays for England [in the World Cup] or not. It's about what he's doing for us which will determine it," said O'Neill.
"He knows the football club will do their best to look after him, as we have done here with players – Gareth Barry would tell you that. So I don't think he would feel he would be let down in any capacity. If he goes with England and does fantastically well, which I am sure he is capable of doing, I don't think that would really change greatly our own views on James Milner. He's been absolutely outstanding."
Milner's improved form has coincided with O'Neill's decision to shift him infield, where his contribution has been so impressive that the loss of Barry to Manchester City in the summer has almost been forgotten.
"I'm pleased we have [moved him inside] because it has given him more options and, in a World Cup year, it has thrust him right into the forefront of things," O'Neill said. "He has excelled in the middle of the pitch. In that position I have got phenomenal regard for two world-class players in Lampard and Gerrard but James is playing as strongly as anyone in the Premiership at the moment."One of the most pleasing aspects for O'Neill has been Milner's goal return, the former Leeds and Newcastle player taking his tally for the season to 10 with his strike at Wigan on Tuesday. "For a midfielder to get into double figures for the season is just fantastic," he added. "It's something we have not had at this football club in my time here. He has been able to add the goals that other midfield players, including Gareth, weren't able to do."
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